Illuminated button switch construction

ABSTRACT

An illuminated button switch assembly is provided which has a self-contained light source disposed within a protective housing, and a button member carried in said housing. The button member, when in one predetermined position of actuation, has a first portion forming a wall for the light source and, when in a second predetermined position of actuation, has a second position thereof forming the wall for said light source. The light transmitting characteristics of the button member wall-forming portions are dissimilar whereby an exposed diaphanous portion of the button member is illuminated by the light source when the button member is disposed in at least one of the predetermined positions of actuation.

United States Patent Inventor Appl. No.

Filed Patented Assignee Pradip Shah Chicago, 111. 856,753

Sept. 10, 1969 Aug. 24, l 971 Globe-Union Inc. Milwaukee, Wis.

ILLUMINATED BUTTON SWITCH CONSTRUCTION 11 Claims, 5 Drawing Figs.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 8/1964 Andersson 2/1965 Kane etal 200/167 A X 200/ 1 67 A 3,377,452 4/1968 Bock et al ZOO/167 A FOREIGN PATENTS 1,100,765 3/1961 Germany 200/167 A Primary Examiner-H. 0. Jones AuorneyPendleton, Neuman, Williams & Anderson ABSTRACT: An illuminated button switch assembly is provided which has a self-contained light source disposed within a protective housing, and a button member carried in said housing. The button member, when in one predetermined position of actuation, has a first portion forming a wall for the light source and, when in a second predetermined position of actuation, has a second position thereof forming the wall for said light source. The light transmitting characteristics of the button member wall-forming portions are dissimilar whereby an exposed diaphanous portion of the button member is illuminated by the light source when the button member is disposed in at least one of the predetermined positions of actuation.

ILLUMINATED BUTTON SWITCH CONSTRUCTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In many switch installations some illuminating means is required so as to readily indicate the position of actuation of the switch at any particular time. Various switches have heretofore been provided which have indicator lights for this purpose. The indicator lights in such prior switches, however, are normally offset or spaced substantial distances from the actuating members or buttons for the switches and as a result, the overall size of these switches was substantially increased to accommodate the indicator lights. By reason of this fact the utilization of such switches was frequently restricted to locations'having relatively large areas for installation. In addition, such prior switches were normally of complex and costlyconstruction and the light source therefor in many instances was quite inaccessible for'adjustment or replacement without substantial disassembly of the switch. Furthermore, in many prior illuminated switches a single illuminated area was readily observed only when the light was energized. In the alternate condition the legends associated with the unilluminated switch were difficult to read.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of this invention to provide a switch assembly of compact, simple design and having a self-contained light source adapted to alter the effective illumination of the button or actuating member of the switch and thereby readily indicate its relative position of actuation.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a switch having a single self-contained light source which is capable of simultaneously illuminating a plurality of selected visually perceptible areas of the switch.

It is still further object of this invention to provide a switch having a single self-contained light source which is capable of illuminating the button or actuating member for the switch in a plurality of distinctive colors depending upon the relative position of the button.

Further and additional objects will appear from the description, accompanying drawing and appended claims.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a switch assembly is provided which has a self-contained light source disposed within a protective housing. An elongated button member is also provided which is mounted for longitudinal actuation in the housing between predetermined extended and retracted positions. The button member, when in its extended position, has a first side portion thereof forming a light-controlling wall for the light source. When a button member is moved to its retracted position, a second side portion thereof forms a second light-controlling wall for the accommodated light source. AT least one side portion of the button member is of diaphanous material whereby an exposed portion of the button member, when the latter is in one position of actuation, is illuminated by the light source.

For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of one form of the improved switch and illumination assembly;

FIG. 2 is a top view ofthe assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 and showing the button member in an extended position;

FIG. 4 is like FIG. 3 but showing the switch button member in a retracted position; and

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of the entire system astaken along line 5-5 ofFlG. 4.

Referring now to the drawing, an improved illuminated switch assembly is shown which in the illustrated embodiment includes a single button push-push-type switch 20. The switch assembly includes a stationary housing 11 which is normally secured by a suitable bracket or channel 12 to a wall, instrument panel, motor housing, or the like, not shown.

Disposed within the housing 11 and shielded thereby a light source ,13 which is preferably a removable light bulb (see FIGS. 3-5). The light source 13 is adapted to fit within a socket 14 disposed at the rear of the housing. Electrical leads 15 extend rearwardly from the housing and may engage suitable contacts 16 of switch 20 for either continuous or intermittent operation. Remote continuous energization of leads 15 may also be provided whereby the source 13 is continuously illuminated, once the switch is connected into the desired circuit, not shown. I

Also disposed within housing 11 is an elongated button member 17 which extends outwardly from switch 20. The

member 17 is longitudinally slidable'in the housing 11. The

button member is affixed to and extends forwardly from an elongated selector arm 18 which is slidably disposed within a suitable casing 19 of switch 20. The operation and function of arm 18 within casing 20 may be similar to that disclosed in US. Pat. Nos. 3,229,548 and 3,259,728. Embracing arm 19 and disposed, under tension, between button member 17 and casing 20 of a coil spring 21 which is adapted to bias the button member 17 to assume an extended position A as shown in FIG. 3.

Upon an initial application of a predetermined external force F on the exposed portion 17a of the button member 17, the latter is moved from its extended position A, FIG. 3, to its retracted position B, FIG. 4. Upon a further application of force F (FIG. 4) on the exposed portion 17a, the button member will be released from its position B and will automatically return to its extended position A by reason of the biasing effect of spring 21.

Light source 13 is disposed to one side of the switch 20 and the elongated side 23 of the button member 17 forms a lightcontrolling wall for, the light source 13 disposed within the housing 1 1.

The front or exposed side 11a of the housing 11 is provided with an opening 22 through which the portion 17a of the button member 17 slidably extends. Regardless of whether the button member 17 is in its extended or retracted position, the portion 17a of member 17 will always project through the opening 22.

Formed adjacent to and longitudinally of portion 17a is an enlarged elongated portion 17b, the latter comprising a part of button member 17 and impassable through opening 22. Fortion 17b combines with portion 17a to form a shoulder which engages housing 11 adjacent opening 22 and is thereby limited in its outward movement. Affixed to the interior surface of the portion of the housing defining the opening 22 is a light impervious gasket and cushion 23. The gasket 23' is provided with a center opening through which the exposed portion 17a of the button member 17 is adapted to snugly slide. The gasket 23' is resiliently engaged by shoulder 170 when the button member 17 is in its extended position A, see FIG. 3.

Button member 17 preferably has the exposed portion 17a thereof formed of a diaphanous material (e.g., either transparent or translucent) and the inner portion 17b thereof formed of an opaque material, that is to say, one which is impervious to light rays. In as modified form of button member 17, both portions 17a and b may be of a diaphanous material, but with the exterior of inner portion 17b coated with an opaque material. In another modified form of button member both portions thereof are of a diaphanous material but with portion 17b coated with a light-transmitting material which imparts a distinct color to the transmitted rays. In this latter construction the elongated sidewalls of the exposed portion 17a will either not be illuminated when the member is in position A or will be illuminated in such a way that it is distinctively different from the way the portion 17a is illuminated when it is in position B. This aforesaid visual effect is accomplished by reason of the fact that, when the member is in position B, FIG. 4, a portion of the elongated side of exposed portion 17a is in communication with the interior of the housing 11 accommodating the light source and is exposed to the light rays generated by the light source 17. On the other hand, when the button member is in position A, FIG. 3, only the elongated side of portion 17b is exposed to the light rays; however, where the latter side is of an opaque material or is coated with an opaque material, it will be unaffected by said light rays.

In addition to opening 22, the front or exposed side 11a of housing 11 may be provided with a removable piece 24. Piece 24 serves the dual function of (a) providing access to the light source, when replacement or adjustment thereof is necessary without requiring further disassembly of the switch, and (b) permitting, when the piece 24 is of diaphanous material, a portion of the front side of the housing to be continuously illuminated, not withstanding the relative position of the button member 17.

While the switch has heretofore been described as a pushbutton type, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, in place of the button member being mounted for longitudinal rectilinear adjustment, it may be mounted on the housing for pivotal adjustment wherein a portion of the member projects into the housing interior and forms a part of the protective wall for the light source. When the member is in one position of pivotal adjustment only a predetermined lighttransmitting segment of the wall-forming portion of the button member is exposed to the light rays generated by the light source thereby causing the button member to be illuminated. When, on the other hand, the modified button member is in a second position of pivotal adjustment, only a light-impervious second segment of the wall-forming portion thereof is exposed to the light rays of the light source and no illumination of the button member is affected.

As shown diagrammatically in the drawing, and as described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,229,548 and 3,259,728, one or more switches are mounted in alignedrelationship in a supporting channel 12 and secured thereto. The housing 11 is then secured to the channel 12 by any suitable means and the housing cover 28 snaps into position enclosing the various parts described. In the embodiment shown, the housing 11 corresponds in size to one pushbutton switch 20 and is aligned with it. In an alternate construction, the housing 11 may extend longitudinally along channel 12 to enclose two or more pushbuttons. In that event a single light source 13 may be disposed at a position in housing 11 intermediate two adjacent pushbuttons 17 and provide illumination for both of them. In such a construction, the housing cover 28 is also elongated and may be provided with a diaphanous lens either directly over the light source or in line with each of the pushbuttons.

Thus, it will be seen that a simple self-illuminating switch has been provided which is compact, is easily installed and maintained and will readily indicate the relative position of adjustment of the switch.

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A switch and actuator assembly comprising a switch including a plurality of contacts, am element movable to selected positions of adjustment to effect interconnection of predetermined contacts, and switch terminals extending from said switch and connected within a switch to said contacts, a housing, socket means disposed within said housing and having conductive socket terminals extending therefrom, a light source disposed within said housing and mounted in said socket means, and a diaphanous button member mounted for actuation between a plurality of positions in said housing, said switch and said housing mounted in adjacent relationship so that said button member is operatively connnected to said element whereby movement of said element is responsive to the actuation of said button member and said socket terminals engage selected ones of said switch terminals; said button member, when in one predetermined position, having a first portion thereof forming a light-controlled wall within said housing exposed to said light source, and when in a second predetermined position, having a second portion thereof forming a light-controlling wall within said housing exposed to said light source; the light-transmitting characteristics of said button member first and second wall-forming portions being dissimilar whereby an exposed portion of said member button external of said housing is illuminated by said light source and produces a first visual effect when said button member s disposed in one of said positions and a different visual effect when in the other of said positions.

2. The switch of claim 1 wherein said button member is elongated and is mounted on said housing for longitudinal actuation with respect thereto between predetermined extended and retracted positions, and said first and second wall-formin g portions are longitudinally spaced along an elongated side thereof.

3. The switch of claim 2 wherein said button member exposed portion is illuminated by said light source when said button member is in said retracted position.

4. The switch of claim 3 wherein the wall-forming portion of said button member when said button member is in said retracted position is formed of a diaphanous material.

5. The switch of claim 1 wherein said first and second wallforming portions of said button member are formed of diaphanous material whereby the light rays from said light source when passing through said first wall-forming portion have a first predetermined color characteristic, and when passing through said second wall-forming portion have a second predetermined color characteristic.

6. The switch of claim 1 wherein said removable wall portion to permit access to said light source.

7. The switch of claim 6 wherein said removable wall portion is formed of diaphanous material.

8. The switch of claim 6 wherein said button member is elongated and has a longitudinal axis disposed substantially normal to the removable wall portion ofsaid housing.

9. The switch and actuator assembly of claim 1 including a support member, said switch and said housing being mounted in side-by-side relationship on said support member.

10. The switch and actuator assembly of claim 7 wherein said wall portion is continuously illuminated by said light source,

11. The switch and actuator assembly of claim 1 wherein said switch is an article of standard manufacture which is combined with said actuator assembly and said terminals are resiliently interconnected.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 a 601,567 Dated August 24, 197].

Inventor(s) Pradip Shah It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Line 7 of Abstract, "second position thereof" should be second portion thereof Column 1, line 37, "It is still" should be It is a still Column 1, line 51, "When a button" should be When the button Column 1, line 54, "AT" should be At Column 1, line 73; "switch assembly 20" should be switch assembly 10 Column 2, line 1, insert is between "thereby" and "a light" Column 2, ine l9, "Embracing arm 19" should be Embracing arm 1 Column 2, line 21, "of a coil should be is a coil Column 2, line 59, "In as modified" should be In a modified-- Column 3, line 29, "affected" should be effected a Column 3, line 52, claim 1, "am element" should be --an element- Column 3, line 55, "within a switch" should be within said switch Column 4, line 10, light-controlled" should be lightcontrolling Column 4, line 18 "button member 5" should be button member is Column 4, line 40, in claim 6, after "wherein" delete "said" and insert the housing is provided with a Signed and sealed this 1L .th day of March 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER, JR ROBERT GOT LQCI'IALK Attesting Officer Commissionerof Patents FORM PO-105O (10-69) USCOMM-DC B0376-P69 U,S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1 9.9 O3B6-!34 

1. A switch and actuator assembly comprising a switch including a plurality of contacts, am element movable to selected positions of adjustment to effect interconnection of predetermined contacts, and switch terminals extending from said switch and connected within a switch to said contacts, a housing, socket means disposed within said housing and having conductive socket terminals extending therefrom, a light source disposed within said housing and mounted in said socket means, and a diaphanous button member mounted for actuation between a plurality of positions in said housing, said switch and said housing mounted in adjacent relationship so that said button member is operatively connnected to said element whereby movement of said element is responsive to the actuation of said button member and said socket terminals engage selected ones of said switch terminals; said button member, when in one predetermined position, having a first portion thereof forming a lightcontrolled wall within said housing exposed to said light source, and when in a second predetermined position, having a second portion thereof forming a light-controlling wall within said housing exposed to said light source; the light-transmitting characteristics of said button member first and second wallforming portions being dissimilar whereby an exposed portion of said member button external of said housing is illuminated by said light source and produces a first visual effect when said button member s disposed in one of said positions and a different visual effect when in the other of said positions.
 2. The switch of claim 1 wherein said button member is elongated and is mounted on said housing for longitudinal actuation with respect thereto between predetermined extended and retracted positions, and said first and second wall-forming portions are longitudinally spaced along an elongated side thereof.
 3. The switch of claim 2 wherein said button member exposed portion is illuminated by said light source when said button member is in said retracted position.
 4. The switch of claim 3 wherein the wall-forming portion of said button member when said button member is in said retracted position is formed of a diaphanous material.
 5. The switch of claim 1 wherein said first and second wall-forming portions of said button member are formed of diaphanous material whereby the light rays from said light source when passing through said first wall-forming portion have a first predetermined color characteristic, and when passing through said second wall-forming portion have a second predetermined color characteristic.
 6. The switch of claim 1 wherein said removable wall portion to permit access to said light source.
 7. The switch of claim 6 wherein said removable wall portion is formed of diaphanous material.
 8. The switch of claim 6 wherein said button member is elongated and has a longitudinal axis disposed substantially normal to the removable wall portion of said housing.
 9. The switch and actuator assembly of claim 1 including a support member, said switch and said housing being mounted in side-by-side relationship on said support member.
 10. The switch and actuator assembly of claim 7 wherein said wall portion is continuously illuminated by said light source.
 11. The switch and actuator assembly of claim 1 wherein said switch is an article of standard manufacture which is combined with said actuator assembly and said terminals are resiliently interconnected. 